Latin Quarter Will Distribute 2021 Trans Doc ‘The Beach of the Enchaquirados’ After the Film’s Resurrection in Locarno’s Open Doors (EXCLUSIVE)

As someone who has always been captivated by stories that challenge my perspectives and broaden my horizons, I am thrilled to hear about “The Beach of the Enchaquirados.” Having spent much of my life navigating through the complexities of my own prejudices and biases, I find a deep resonance in Director Iván Mora Manzano’s pursuit for ‘intimacy in the periphery.’


The Ecuadorian documentary titled “The Beach of the Enchaquirados” has been selected by Latin Quarter, a Dutch company based in The Hague that specializes in sales, co-production, and distribution for films from Latin America, Spain, and the Latinx community.

First premiering in 2021, the film has been reinvigorated by a couple of Open Doors Screenings at this year’s Locarno Film Festival. During its initial festival circuit, “The Beach of the Enchaquirados” was showcased at prestigious global events such as IDFA, Guadalajara and Doclisboa, ultimately claiming the Arquipélago Contemporary Art Center Award at the latter.

Title for the Documentary: “Beyond the Net: Vicky’s Journey”

As a film enthusiast with years of experience attending various international film festivals such as Venice, Locarno, and Mar del Plata, I am particularly excited about “The Beach of the Enchaquirados,” directed by Iván Mora Manzano. Having seen his previous works, both fiction and documentary films, I can attest to his skillful storytelling and ability to captivate audiences. The fact that he is the one behind this production promises a thought-provoking and visually stunning film experience.

As Mora puts it, his motivation to share narratives from underrepresented groups stems from a personal drive for growth and self-awareness. He is drawn to uncovering locations where his biases may lie hidden, and this project fulfilled that desire. He refers to this quest as ‘intimacy in the margins.’

As a resident of a conservative city, I have always felt somewhat sheltered and detached from the broader societal issues that affect people living outside of my immediate surroundings. However, recently I had the opportunity to learn about and document the stories of trans activists who reside just a hundred kilometers away. This experience has been eye-opening and challenging for me, as it has forced me to confront my own prejudices and biases that I wasn’t even aware I held.

In less densely populated areas like Engabao’s rural village, where the movie was filmed, transgender individuals may discover a level of acceptance that is typically harder to find in regions where biases and prejudices tend to thrive more.

“In Engabao, they lead lives that encompass roles as fishermen, shop clerks, and cooks. Unlike in the city where they are often marginalized and predominantly work as hairstylists or sex workers, they live harmoniously here. However, their existence isn’t without its own struggles and prejudices.” He clarified.

As I delve deeper into unearthing the innovative and evocative styles of modern Latinx cinema, I’ve been truly captivated by Ivan’s film – a thought-provoking, transgressive tale that seems like a refreshing sanctuary of liberty amidst largely homophobic landscapes. This is what Juan Castro, Head of Production at Latin Quarter, shared with EbMaster.

He plans to bring the movie before a broader, international audience than it reached during its 2021 release. To accomplish this, his company will arrange screenings throughout Europe, with significant premieres in cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, London, Madrid, and Barcelona. At the same time, they’ll collaborate with a distribution network to create new opportunities for the film by working with potential buyers.

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2024-08-12 21:16